Related Stories

By Stefan Coerts

0

19-Apr-2013 12:25:00

The experienced defender is eagerly anticipating Sunday's encounter in Turin and is over the moon to be closing in on his 100th appearance for Juventus

Andrea Barzagli has stressed that Juventus cannot afford to throw away points in this weekend's Serie A match against AC Milan as they aim to wrap up the Scudetto as soon as possible, but has warned that the Rossoneri will pose a stern test.

The Bianconeri hold an 11-point lead over second-placed Napoli with six more games to go, but Barzagli is not getting carried away just yet as they prepare to face a side battling for an automatic Champions League spot.

"The upcoming matches versus Milan and Torino will be two important games, but we’ll focus solely on the first," the defender told Sport Mediaset.

"Both us and Milan are in need of points. We’re chasing the Scudetto, while they’re aiming for Champions League qualification. It won’t be easy, but we’re preparing well."

Barzagli needs only two more games two reach 100 official appearances for Juventus and he is very pleased with the way things have progressed for him since his move to the Old Lady from Wolfsburg.

"I’m very happy, it’s pleasing to be able to play as much as I do. Reaching 100 appearances for such a prestigious club is a real source of pride," he went on.

"The last few years have been the best of my career in terms of consistency. There was a time when my performance levels tended to fluctuate more."